FAQ

Water Heaters

All water heaters are designed to last several years before they need to be replaced, but unexpected problems with your water heater can occur at any time. Our plumbers at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air are expertly-trained to diagnose the problem with your water heater and see if it is something that can be fixed, or if a replacement is needed.

Drains

If you notice your drains aren’t draining quickly, particles are coming back up, gurgling noises are present, or odors are getting stronger, it’s time to have your drains checked.

If your yard has large trees that could pose a hazard to your sewer system, or if your pipes have a history of causing problems, it’s best to schedule routine maintenance. Talk to the team at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air to receive a tailored maintenance plan for your home.

For small kitchen, bathroom, or home clogs, routine maintenance isn’t necessary. However, you should call our professionals at the first sign of trouble so we catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.

Sewer installation costs will vary from project to project depending on a number of factors. Once a full evaluation and camera inspection is performed, our specialists will provide multiple options to suit our customers needs, timeline, and budget.

The most compelling reason to install a new sewer line is when the pipe is damaged beyond repair. However, if after a video camera inspection, the line is revealed to be nearing the end of its life, sometimes preemptive replacement is a good idea. It could save on costs, emergency overflows, as well as provide homeowners’ with peace of mind that they will not have problems in the future.

The amount of time to perform a new sewer installation varies with the method of replacement. Traditional dig ups typically can be completed within a few days, but it will depend on the length of pipe being replaced, amount of digging or excavation needed, as well as the time to repair any landscaping. With trenchless technologies, such as epoxy relining or pipe bursting, replacements can often be completed in as little as one to two days. Our team works hard to ensure homeowners do not experience a delay in services and are able to quickly restore flow to the home.

Our drain experts recommend performing an annual camera inspection for older homes, homes with large trees on the property, or homes that experience frequent backups. This will allow homeowners to know what the pipe condition is on an annual basis and prepare for any repairs or replacements that may be necessary in the future. Through annual inspections, homeowners can better prepare and have peace of mind.

A pipe inspection camera service provides a full color detailed view of the interior of the home’s sewer line. It can locate the precise location of any problems in the line, whether it is heavy scale buildup, breaks or cracks, low spots that are holding water, and root intrusion. It is the only way to accurately determine the best method for repair or replacement.

Residential sewer line repair costs can vary depending on the severity of the issue. For root blockage or small breaks that are easily accessible, often hydro-jetting, or small spot repairs can be made rather inexpensively. Hydro jetting is also an ideal solution to clean out heavy root intrusion and descale the interior of the sewer pipe to clear away tough blockages.

If the sewer line repair requires trenching and full replacement, costs will be higher. However, John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air also offers trenchless repair options which can save landscaping repair and digging costs, as well as installation of a brand new pipe that will last 50 plus years.

The most common sign of a broken sewer line is frequent backups involving multiple drain lines. Sewer line problems can also present with foul odors, water pooling in the yard, or overflows from the sewer drain cleanout.

For sewer lines that have small easily accessible cracks, small site repairs can be made. Our team will locate the break and determine if digging and replacing a small section will provide a permanent repair, or if it is a candidate for trenchless sewer line repair. Once our team performs a thorough diagnosis, we can provide multiple options and go over the benefits of each to determine what is right for you.

There is no one-size-fits-all sewer line repair. Some main sewer lines are underneath the home and easily accessible, others are buried underneath the ground, or may have a break under the home’s foundation or concrete areas. Depending on the cause of the break and the location, homeowners have many repair options to consider. Our team is trained to present multiple solutions so homeowners can determine what is best for their situation.

There are two ways our team can perform a sewer line repair, or replacement, without digging up the old line. Sewer relining and pipe bursting are both great solutions when the break is underneath concrete or inaccessible. Sewer relining is a way of installing a brand new pipe within the old damaged pipe without removing it. The sewer liner is inserted into the line and left to cure. Its epoxy resin material creates a strong and nearly indestructible brand-new pipe inside of the old line. It can help guard against future root intrusion and restore flow in as little as one day. Pipe bursting does require some digging, but it is very minimal. With pipe bursting, a brand new high-density polyethylene pipe is simultaneously inserted into the old line while the damaged pipe is broken into pieces, leaving it in the ground. Both options are ideal for larger breaks or when the entire line is in need of repair.

Sewer pipe replacement costs depend on how long your line is, where it exists on your property, and the type of plumbing in place. Figures from HomeAdvisor have shown that the average homeowner spends between $50 and $125 per square foot. This will vary depending on the type of pipe you put in.
Sewer lines are made to last a long time. Depending on what the plumbing is made of, the sewer main can last from 50 to 100 years. If you aren’t sure how old your sewer line is, you can usually determine it by the age of your home. If you live in an older house, it’s wise to get an inspection to make sure there are no current or developing issues with the pipe.
If your sewer line is younger than 50 years old, you may be able to get away with a simple repair when things go awry. Sometimes, plumbing technicians can isolate the impacted segment of pipe and provide a repair in that spot. However, if you notice the signs of failure mentioned above, your line will need to be completely replaced.
If your sewer line is younger than 50 years old, you may be able to get away with a simple repair when things go awry. Sometimes, plumbing technicians can isolate the impacted segment of pipe and provide a repair in that spot. However, if you notice the signs of failure mentioned above, your line will need to be completely replaced.
Sewer pipe replacement costs depend on how long your line is, where it exists on your property, and the type of plumbing in place. Figures from HomeAdvisor have shown that the average homeowner spends between $50 and $125 per square foot. This will vary depending on the type of pipe you put in.
Sewer lines are made to last a long time. Depending on what the plumbing is made of, the sewer main can last from 50 to 100 years. If you aren’t sure how old your sewer line is, you can usually determine it by the age of your home. If you live in an older house, it’s wise to get an inspection to make sure there are no current or developing issues with the pipe.
When a sewer line springs a leak in the beginning or middle of its lifespan, it can often be patched with epoxy putty or a pipe patching kit. You’ll need an inspection to determine whether or not this is the case with your leaking sewer line.
If your sewer line is younger than 50 years old, you may be able to get away with a simple repair when things go awry. Sometimes, plumbing technicians can isolate the impacted segment of pipe and provide a repair in that spot. However, if you notice the signs of failure mentioned above, your line will need to be completely replaced.
 

Heating

The best way to determine if you need to repair or replace your current heating unit is to rely on the opinions of HVAC experts. Their experience will help them gauge whether repairs are possible and financially feasible. Our team of experts takes your best interests into consideration and offers heater replacement recommendations from there.
The professionals have the experience and right equipment to ensure your installation is performed correctly and safely. They also have experience working with a variety of different systems, so they won’t be fazed by your system or any issues that pop up. It’s also a good idea to have the professionals install your heater because they are constantly undergoing training to stay up to date with the latest technology and advancements. If you want to ensure your heating system is fully optimized for efficiency and peak performance, the professionals know just what to do to make it happen.
According to the Department of Energy, HVAC systems typically last between 15 and 20 years. At John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air, we recommend replacing your existing heating system at around 10-12 years for greater efficiency, lower utility and energy bills, and optimal performance.
We offer a variety of financing options, so our customers can achieve home comfort without breaking the bank. We can offer same as cash, as well as low interest options to suit the needs of any customer. Ask our Comfort Advisors about financing today!
There are a few reasons why your furnace may not be warming your home efficiently or evenly. One of the most common reasons is a leak in the ducting. If there is a small hole or the ducting is improperly installed, it could leak out warm air and cause the air pressure to drop and the system then provides inadequate heating. Additionally, dirty filters will also cause a restriction in airflow making the system work harder. This can lead to a broken system, which is why regularly changing and/or cleaning your air filters is so important.
The furnace light will blink even when there is not a fault in the system. However, the status of the light can signify an issue. If the light is blinking in a steady pattern, it is running fine. If it begins blinking fast, or flashing in erratic patterns, it is signifying the code to the particular problem. To clear the fault and repair the system, call the professional heating repair experts at John Stevenson. We will run through a full system safety check and evaluation to provide the best repair options.
A clicking sound as the furnace is turned on could be a faulty or malfunctioning spark ignitor. If the pilot assembly will not light, your furnace will not produce heat. Depending on the age of the system and warranty, ignitor malfunctions may be repairable. However, if the system is more than 10 – 12 years old, or if it is a continuous problem, it may be time to upgrade to a new furnace. Our team will provide repair options when available, as well as new system estimates for homeowners to consider.
If the home is not getting even heat, or the furnace does not produce any warm air at all, it is time to call the professionals. Excessive energy bills during the winter, strange smells or sounds coming from the furnace, or constant problems with the ignitor or pilot are also reasons to call a professional as soon as possible. Our team also recommends contacting us prior to the winter season for a full system safety check and tune-up. Often, this will help extend the life of the furnace and identify potential issues before they become major problems.

Plumbing

John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air recommends scheduling annual plumbing evaluations. Your home is an investment, and it is better to prevent problems before they occur. With an annual inspection, our team can perform an in depth evaluation of all visible plumbing systems to ensure they are in top working condition. However, if you are experiencing high water bills, dripping faucets, no hot water, or gas smells, it is time to call a professional plumber.

Some Common Signs That You Need Plumbing Services

Some residential plumbing issues are easy to spot: active water drips, foul odors, strange sounds from the pipes all indicate something is happening in the system. But, there are more subtle signs that something is going on that requires a specialist. A common plumbing repair in San Diego is slab leaks. Leaks that happen under the foundation of the home. Signs include high water bills, damp floors, warm spots, and sounds of water running when no services are in use.

Common Plumbing Problems

Plumbing can be much more complex than we think. As long as we get hot water from our taps, and everything is working fine, we often don’t think about our plumbing. But, there is a lot going on throughout the home, and it is all connected. Many times, a problem in the toilet is related to the water pressure coming into the home. Some of the most common issues are leaks. Leaks occur when the pipes are older, or plumbing seals are weakened from age and pressure.

Loose faucets, older water heaters, and poorly maintained systems will also lead to problems. If left alone, all of these can lead to burst pipes and major floods in worst case scenarios.

Plumbing is made up of a complex system connected throughout the home. Residential plumbing services rely on knowledge of uniform plumbing code, extensive math, and engineering. That’s why our team is dedicated to advanced training and education year round. Understanding how pipes are connected, how water and gas comes into the home, and how it is all interconnected is crucial to performing quality and long lasting solutions.
Excessive water pressure is one of the leading causes of leaks in the home, from minor drips to burst shut off valves. Detecting high water pressure can be done at the main water valve for the home, or at any tap with the proper tools. Our team evaluates water pressure on every service to ensure homeowners do not experience emergency plumbing problems. Often, a homeowner will discover water pressure problems only after a leak has occurred, which is why it is important to have regular plumbing evaluations.
Banging, knocking, and hissing pipes all have something to say. Often, it is an indicator of a leak happening somewhere in the system, and they can be linked to high water pressure. When strange sounds are coming from your system, call the experts at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air.
Plumbers are professionally-trained, skilled people who repair, maintain, and install pipe systems. Water heaters, bathtubs, toilets, drains, showers, and faucets are just a few of the things that plumbers are trained to service. Our John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air plumbers are high-quality, certified professionals who will come to your home to help you with any of your plumbing repair, maintenance, or installation needs.
Yes, plumbers do install water heaters. Our plumbers at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air are top-rated, certified, and experienced in servicing and installing hot water heaters. Call us today at (760) 284-4996 to see how we can help make your new water heater installation affordable and easy.
The price range for water descalers is huge. You could spend anywhere from just a few hundred to $2000 or more. The exact cost will depend on the brand, size, and features you want it to have. Get in touch with our team to get a custom quote for your home.
A water conditioning system is installed whenever your water source enters the property before it branches off to the various areas of your home. There must be room for an electronic unit to be mounted near the plumbing.
A water conditioner will start working as soon as it’s installed, but it may take a while for the limescale accumulation to wear away. Deposits that have been forming over many years take longer for a water conditioner to break down. After a few months of running conditioned water through your plumbing system, mineral buildup will eventually wear away.
Yes; in fact, it may even be better for you to drink than softened water. Instead of stripping your water supply of its minerals and replacing it with sodium, a water descaler retains all the healthy minerals, including calcium.
The cost of repairing a gas line can vary a lot depending on how much of the line needs to be repaired and where the line is located on your property. You can count on John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air to come out to your house to give you a competitive quote from a licensed professional today.
Yes, a plumber can install a gas line as long as they are licensed and insured. The plumbers at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air are locally trusted and highly rated to install or replace your gas line. With years of experience and all of the certifications and insurance needed, they will come to your home to give you an upfront, competitive quote to replace a damaged gas line or install a new one.
This question depends on what type of pipe is currently being used for your gas line. Other factors, such as the type of soil in which they are buried, the degree of constant pressure on them, and even climate can cause longevity to vary. The trusted local plumbers at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air are certified and licensed to install or replace your gas line. Call (760) 276-6690 today for a top-quality professional to come out to give you a comprehensive, upfront estimate.
Our plumbers at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air are experts in diagnosing and repairing water softeners and filtration systems. With years of experience, they will come out to your home to give you an upfront, comprehensive, and competitive water softener & filtration system quote. Call John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air at (760) 276-6690 today!
The cost of repairing a water softener & filtration system can vary a lot depending on what the exact problem is, and if new parts will be needed for the repair. You can count on the team at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air to come out to your house to give you a competitive quote from a licensed professional today.
A normal water softener can last for years before you need to replace your unit, depending on how hard your water is and the quality of the machine. Our team at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air is certified water heater repairs and diagnostics, and if they need to be replaced, we can do that, too.
Most tank-style water heaters last around 10-12 years. Although it is not typical, some water heaters can last as long as 20-30 years. Sediment can eat away at the inside of the tank causing leaks and necessary replacement. That is why John Stevenson recommends annual water heater flushes to restore efficiency and rid the tank of any harmful elements. We also install high-quality Bradford White water heaters that outperform the rest, and provide excellent warranties.
  • There is sediment collection
  • The tank is old
  • The storage tank is cracked
  • The drain valve is loose
  • The temperature and relief valve is faulty
  • There is too much pressure in the tank
The size of water heater you need (in gallons) is based on the supply needed in the home. In some cases, homeowners may want a smaller water heater if it is a small household. However, we recommend sizing the water heater for the home itself considering how many bathrooms there are. The typical size for most homes will range between a 40 and 75 gallon water heater. The larger the home, the more hot water service will be needed to service demand.  It is also important to factor in lifespan and functioning when determining the right size water heater for your household, as well as consideration for the future sale of the home. An undersized water heater could be a factor, adn will definitely affect showers, dishwashing, laundry services and visitors.
Maintaining your water heater is about ensuring it is in good condition, and calling the experts at John Stevenson for an annual water heater flush. Some signs to look for indicating potential problems include corrosion or hard water buildup on any exterior components of the water heater, rust, and excessive water leaks.

Cooling

Our technicians at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air can replace your air conditioning unit. An A/C unit is something that will be a part of your house for many years, and it is important that it is installed correctly to keep your energy costs low and your unit working at top performance. Our team at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air has top-quality, highly-trained technicians that will come to your house to help you to make an informed decision on which unit to buy. Then, we can properly install your air conditioning unit.
In short, yes. A first step is conducting an energy audit to determine the energy load for your home. Calculating the load tells the experts at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air how much heat your house gains throughout the day & what size air conditioner will work best to keep it cool. This is critical as most A/C installation issues stem from an improperly-sized air conditioning unit.
Often your old, existing ducts can’t handle the airflow of a newly installed air conditioner. Any upgrades to accommodate a new system will likely increase the cost to install an A/C unit, but will ultimately help you avoid costly, high energy bills & hot rooms in the future.
Here’s where the load calculation comes into play, as you want to pick the right size A/C unit to install – either too big or too small of an A/C unit can lead to costly repair or replacement down the road. Call the HVAC professionals at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air, they’ll know which A/C unit is perfect to install in your home at the lowest price.
The price of replacing your air conditioning unit depends a lot on the size of the unit you need to fit the size of your house. But no matter what unit you pick out for your home, ask an expert at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air for fast answers & reliable service. Trained technicians can come to your house to give you an upfront, transparent installation report, as well as consult you on what unit your home will need.
Breakdown of your home A/C unit can stem from many different things, from an electrical issue to the compressor being misaligned or broken. Luckily for you, the team at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air is trained in diagnosing the problem and presenting you with a competitive price to fix or replace and install your new A/C unit.
Sometimes an AC unit that is not properly cooling the home is as easy as replacing or cleaning the air filter. Dirty filters can cause blocked airflow, and if they are not changed regularly, they can lead to more problems. Cooling problems could also be related to a blocked condenser coil or refrigerant leak, which is a sign the air conditioner has not been maintained. That is one reason it is important to hire a licensed and trained AC repair technician to properly diagnose the issue. If your air conditioner has never produced consistently cool air, it could be due to an undersized unit. When installing or replacing air conditioners, it is important to install the right size for your home.
Our technicians at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air can replace your air conditioning unit. An A/C unit is something that will be a part of your house for many years, and it is important that it is installed correctly to keep your energy costs low and your unit working at top performance. Our team at John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air has top-quality, highly-trained technicians that will come to your house to help you to make an informed decision on which unit to buy. Then, we can properly install your air conditioning unit.
Just like a furnace, your AC needs annual service. During a seasonal tuneup, our team can clean, check, and inspect the system to keep it working and extend its lifespan. This also helps ensure the warranty remains intact. AC tuneups should be scheduled in the months prior to the hot season ensuring you have cool air when you need it most.
If the home is not getting cool air, or cool air is not consistent throughout the home, it is a sign that a repair might be needed. If the system is cycling on and off, or making strange noises, or doesn’t turn on at all, it is time to call John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air.

Most often, AC coil failures are a sign the system will have to be replaced. Your air conditioner has an evaporator coil in the outdoor condenser and an indoor coil. If one needs to be replaced, the other will as well as a new coil may be incompatible with the other leftover “working” coil. While they are separate and have their own functions, they work in harmony to remove warm air and replace it with cool air in the home. 

Causes of a failing coil can include the erosion of the coil from refrigerant and improperly maintained systems. Over time, they can become weak and lead to leaks, which will eventually cause the need for entire system replacement.

Homeowners should call a professional HVAC company at least twice per year for annual maintenance: once in the fall before the winter months, and once in the spring before the summer months. A regularly maintained system is a happy system! 

If homeowners are experiencing issues in between services, contact the experts at John Stevenson. Our team can diagnose and solve any AC repair need. Often, homeowners will find they have an issue when the system simply doesn’t work, but should also be on the lookout for active signs of leaks in the outdoor condenser, inefficient cooling in the home, strange noises, and even strange smells.

For homeowners with central heating and cooling, repair of the ductwork is essential when there is an issue. Broken, crushed, or missing ductwork leads to poor cooling and air being leaked into attics costing money in wasted energy. During our AC repair evaluation, we inspect all ductwork to ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently. If there are signs of a broken or leaking duct, our team will provide options to make a repair or replacement. If repair is available, we can also offer duct fogging, which is a great way to sanitize and clean the air circulating through your home’s duct system.
If the system is more than 10 years old, it is recommended to replace the entire system instead of just the condenser. However, if it is under warranty and properly maintained, replacing the condenser alone is an option. Our team will evaluate the condition and age of the system to provide the best and most permanent solution.
The air conditioning compressor is like the workhorse of your AC unit. While a compressor may be able to be replaced, it often causes other components to fail making it a costly and temporary solution. If the system is newer, parts can be replaced under warranty. Repairing an AC compressor usually means replacing the entire unit.
Scroll to Top